Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort has been named the best theme park in the world at the Park World Excellence Awards, beating competition from major international parks. The north west resort took the coveted Best of the Best prize at the ceremony held on Wednesday, September 23.
Top honour for 130-year-old seaside resort
The award recognises "theme parks, rides, or tourist attractions recognised for excelling as the best of all time within its respected industry," with winners described as offering "the absolute pinnacle, reflecting everything that is great about our industry."
Formerly known as Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the park is celebrating its 130-year anniversary in 2026, making it one of Europe's oldest, and is fourth-generation family-owned. It is the first UK theme park to win the award, with previous recipients including Germany's Europa Park and Siam Park in Tenerife.
New ride scoops Best Ride of the Year
The park also won Best Ride of the Year for Aviktas, the largest ride of its kind in the UK, which swings passengers 138ft in the air on a rotating pendulum. Aviktas opened in May 2026 and was an £8.27 million addition to the park.
Meanwhile, Valhalla, a Viking-themed attraction, was the runner-up in the Best Water Ride category, marking the fifth time it has been nominated.
Family attractions and upcoming Halloween event
The Pleasure Beach Resort is also home to the UK's only Nickelodeon Land, featuring SpongeBob SquarePants and PAW Patrol-themed rides. Its Halloween event, Journey to Hell, is set to open on October 17, described as an "immersive scare experience" with three new scare mazes and rides open until 9pm.
Amanda Thompson, managing director of the Pleasure Beach Resort, said: "To be named Best of the Best is a massive achievement for our park. Our industry is full of so much talent, so to be recognised among the best speaks volumes on the dedication and hard work that has kept us moving forward for 130 years."
